THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE THERAPY:
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of healing that refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. As a growing segment of the health conscious population searches for holistic solutions, massage therapy has steadily increased in popularity and support from the overall medical community.
Massage therapy has become a source of overall "well-being" for clients suffering from a variety of physical and mental symptoms. While not a magical offering, massage therapy focuses on relaxing the body and mind without the use of prescription drugs. By strengthening the body's nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems while relieving muscle tension, many find relief from pain, illness and stress as part of these relaxation preventative health care techniques.
Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, muscle spasm, and stress. There are several different types of therapeutic massage available, including Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and craniosacral massage.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Research suggests that medical massage can strengthen the immune system as well as relieve acute and chronic pain, reduce the level of damaging stress hormones, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Massage also has been linked to reducing acute and chronic inflammation, helping people with asthma breathe easier, the alleviation of chronic fatigue and migraines, and ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Scientists speculate that massage accomplishes all this by improving circulation, boosting the flow of lymph, flushing out lactic acid, and stimulating the release of endorphins.
